"Captain America" Pics Renew Cautious Hope

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Despite our disappointment about both the casting of Chris Evans and the decision to go the 3D conversion route for "Captain America," we have to admit that the first batch of photos from the film look pretty great.

The pics have a proto-steampunk vibe, Cap's first shield looks great, Weaving and Jones are the perfect duo as super-villain Red Skull and toady Arnim Zola. The first hint that the art department was on the right track was the great poster that was unveiled earlier this year, and it's great to see their staying on course.

With the stink of "The Wolfman" still hanging in the air, Johnston has a lot to prove, and thus far it appears he's prepared to redeem himself. We'll know for sure when "Captain America: The First Avenger," comes out July 22, 2011.